Academic Success

St. John Academy students consistently exceed the average test scores of students at other schools in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. Additionally in our 2005-2006 Terra Nova testing, for grades three through seven, SJA exceeded the 90th percentile score by at least 20 points in reading and at least 17 points in math. Specifically, for the seventh grade, test scores were 21 points over the 90th percentile cutoff in Reading and 18.5 points over for Math.

What’s more, our students regular win highly acclaimed first-, second- and/or third-place awards in competitions such as the Virginia National Spanish examination, “It’s Academic,” the Diocesan Spelling Bee, the Geography Bee, and many other competitions, and have achieved a rating of Superior in the Diocesan Band Festival.

A consistent pattern of improvement has occurred over the past three years. Specifically, a comparison of the school’s average test scores between 2003 & 2006 shows a two-point increase in reading and a nine-point increase in math scores.

Parents are updated regularly about the progress of their children. In all grades, a weekly progress report, including graded tests and assignments, is sent to parents to apprise them of the week’s accomplishments. At mid quarter, a progress report is sent home to explain where each student is at that stage in the quarter, and allow for remedial action if necessary. Student Assistance Plans are written when accommodations are needed for a particular student.

All parents meet with their child’s teacher at the end of the first quarter to review student progress, and discuss Terra Nova results and the goals of the class. Other conferences are arranged as the need arises. Parents are encouraged to arrange a conference with their child’s teacher at any time if they have any questions or concerns.

Events such as Science Fair night and Fine Arts night enable students and families to observe — firsthand — the impressive work of the students. A weekly newsletter also chronicles accomplishments of individual students, classes, teams and faculty. At the end of the school year, an awards ceremony is held to celebrate the achievements of students throughout the year. These awards include the Geography and Spelling Bee Awards, the Presidential Physical Fitness Awards, Honor Roll Achievement Awards, and Perfect Attendance Awards, to name a few. Eighth graders receive similar awards at their annual graduation luncheon for family and friends where they are recognized with awards for Character, Service and Academic Excellence, and outstanding students are added to the St. John Academy “Wall of Fame.”

 St. John Academy Testing Results: 2003 through 2006

Terra Nova
Edition 1, CTBS-5/1997
Publisher CTB/McGraw Hill
Scores are based on the National Percentile (NP) of the Mean Normal Curve Equivalent (NCE).
No students are excluded from the test.

* Scores for subgroups were not disaggregated because subgroups in every grade were fewer than 10 students.

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